The Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Girls Weekend in Palm Springs

Planning the perfect girls weekend in Palm Springs means finding the right blend of poolside relaxation, chic dining, and unforgettable moments. This iconic desert oasis offers a stunning backdrop of mid-century modern aesthetics and sun-drenched landscapes, making it an ideal destination for everything from bachelorette parties to celebratory getaways. But with so many options, creating a balanced itinerary that satisfies everyone can feel overwhelming.

This guide cuts through the noise to deliver a curated list of top-tier experiences, from essential sightseeing to insider tips on where to eat, stay, and play. For groups seeking a private and stylish home base, finding the right hotel is key. A standout option like [The Muse Hotel Palm Springs](https://www.themusehotelpalmsprings.com) offers an adults-only sanctuary perfect for group buyouts, blending privacy with an Instagram-worthy design that elevates any girls' weekend.

TL;DR – Why The Muse Hotel Palm Springs Is a Standout

• Adults-only boutique hotel with private patios

• Located minutes from downtown in Warm Sands

• Each suite features a unique muse-inspired theme

• Heated floral pool, fire pit, swings, & stylish common areas

• Great for bachelorettes, group celebrations, and full property buyouts

1. Pool Party and Resort Day Pass Experience

You don't need to be a hotel guest to live the glamorous resort life in Palm Springs. Many of the area's most iconic hotels offer day passes, allowing you and your friends to access their luxurious pools, stylish cabanas, and buzzy poolside bars for a fraction of the cost of an overnight stay. This is the ultimate way to experience the quintessential Palm Springs pool party scene, complete with DJs, craft cocktails, and vibrant energy, making it a must-do for any girls weekend in Palm Springs.

Why It's a Perfect Group Activity

A resort day pass gives your group the A-list experience without the commitment. It’s a fantastic way to dedicate a day to pure relaxation, sun-worshipping, and celebration in a high-energy, social atmosphere. Splitting the cost of a cabana provides a home base for your crew, complete with shade, dedicated service, and a sense of exclusivity, turning a simple pool day into a memorable event. Of course, when you stay at a place like The Muse Hotel Palm Springs, you get this exclusive vibe built-in, with your own private floral-framed pool just steps from your suite.

Insider Tip: Book your day passes or cabanas well in advance, especially for weekend dates, as they sell out quickly. Also, compare package options, as many include food and beverage credits that offer excellent value for a group.

Top Spots for a Day Pass

• The Saguaro Palm Springs: Famous for its rainbow-colored facade and lively weekend pool parties, The Saguaro is the place to be for a vibrant, high-energy day of fun with music and a fun-loving crowd.

• ARRIVE Palm Springs: This hotel boasts a chic, modern aesthetic with a bustling pool scene, fire pits, and an on-site ice cream shop. It’s a favorite among millennials and design lovers.

• Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs: For a more laid-back, tropical-inspired vibe, this expansive resort offers two large pools and plenty of space to spread out and relax with a frozen drink in hand.

🌟 Spotlight on The Muse Hotel Palm Springs ✔ Adults-only, private & peaceful ✔ Hot tub + floral pergola courtyard ✔ Stylish mid-century aesthetic ✔ Kitchenettes & patios in every suite ✔ Ideal for groups & full buyouts 👉 Check it out

2. Spa Day at World-Class Desert Resorts

A girls weekend in Palm Springs practically demands a dedicated spa day, where relaxation and rejuvenation take center stage. The desert is home to world-class resorts and spas that specialize in creating tranquil sanctuaries for ultimate pampering. From mineral-rich hot springs to bespoke facials using desert botanicals, these spas offer a perfect escape for your group to unwind, connect, and emerge feeling completely refreshed. It's the quintessential luxury experience that elevates a fun trip into a truly restorative getaway.

Why It's a Perfect Group Activity

A spa day is a shared experience that encourages a slower, more mindful pace, allowing for quiet conversations and collective relaxation. It caters to everyone's need for a little self-care, and the luxurious amenities like steam rooms, saunas, and private pools turn the day into a full-fledged event. Whether you opt for side-by-side massages or simply lounge by a tranquil spa pool together, it’s a bonding activity that leaves everyone feeling spoiled and serene. For more inspiration on creating a relaxing trip, you can learn more about The Muse Hotel Palm Springs experience.

Insider Tip: Book your treatments at least two to three weeks in advance, especially for a group, as popular spots fill up quickly on weekends. Don't be shy about asking for group packages, which often include access to exclusive amenities or provide a better value.

Top Spas to Explore

• The Spa at Two Bunch Palms Resort: Famous for its healing mineral water grotto and historic Hollywood legacy, this adults-only retreat offers a serene, almost mystical environment. Its mud baths are a legendary and unique group experience.

• The Spa at Parker Palm Springs: This iconic spa is the epitome of desert glamour and eclectic design. Known for its celebrity clientele and high-end treatments, it’s the place to go when you want to indulge in pure, unapologetic luxury.

• Azure Spa at Marriott Desert Springs: A comprehensive spa offering a vast menu of treatments, a saltwater lap pool, and a tranquil spa bistro. It's an excellent choice for larger groups who want a wide variety of options in a grand resort setting.

3. Mid-Century Modern Architecture Tour

Palm Springs is a living museum of mid-century modern design, making an architecture tour an essential and stylish activity for any girls weekend. The city’s landscape is dotted with iconic homes and buildings from the 1940s to the 1960s, featuring clean lines, glass walls, and a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Exploring these architectural gems offers a unique glimpse into the glamorous history of the desert and provides endless inspiration and photo ops.

Why It's a Perfect Group Activity

An architecture tour is a fantastic way to see the city beyond the main strip, allowing your group to cruise through beautiful neighborhoods and discover hidden masterpieces. Whether you opt for a self-guided drive, a fun bike tour, or an organized bus tour, it’s a shared experience that sparks conversation and appreciation for the city's unique aesthetic. The vibrant doors and stunning desert landscaping of these homes create the perfect, colorful backdrops for your group photos.

Insider Tip: Plan your tour for the early morning or late afternoon. The "golden hour" light makes the architectural lines and colors pop, creating magazine-worthy photos. Plus, you’ll avoid the intense midday sun.

Top Landmarks to See

• Kaufmann Desert House: Designed by Richard Neutra, this private residence is one of the most famous examples of mid-century modernism in the world. While you can only view it from the street, its architectural significance is undeniable.

• Tramway Gas Station: Now the Palm Springs Visitors Center, this building by Albert Frey and Robson Chambers features a dramatic, wing-shaped roof that seems to float over the desert landscape. It’s a must-see stop for a quintessential Palm Springs photo.

• Elrod House: Famous for its appearance in the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever, this John Lautner-designed home is a marvel of organic architecture, built directly into the rocky hillside. You can check tour availability to see this iconic space.

For those who want to fully immerse themselves in the city’s design-forward culture, you can learn more about the cool mid-century modern hotels you should know about on themusehotelpalmsprings.com.

4. Desert Botanical Garden & Moorten Botanical Garden Tour

A visit to Palm Springs isn't complete without immersing yourselves in the unique and otherworldly beauty of the Sonoran Desert flora. Swapping the poolside for a peaceful stroll through a botanical garden offers a fantastic change of pace and a perfect backdrop for stunning group photos. These living museums showcase an incredible diversity of cacti, succulents, and other desert-adapted plants in meticulously curated landscapes. It's an ideal activity for a relaxed morning before the desert heat peaks, providing a serene start to your girls weekend in Palm Springs.

Why It's a Perfect Group Activity

Botanical gardens are more than just a walk; they're an experience. The winding paths, unique plant textures, and vibrant (and sometimes surprising) desert blooms create a shared sense of discovery. It’s a low-key, high-reward outing that allows for easy conversation and countless photo opportunities that will beautifully capture the essence of your trip.

Insider Tip: Many visitors are surprised by the variety of colors found in the desert. Look for the bright pinks of the Beavertail Cactus and the fiery reds of the Ocotillo blooms, which make for an incredible photo contrast against the desert sand and blue sky.

Top Gardens to Explore

• Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium: A true Palm Springs institution, this family-owned garden is famous for its "Cactarium," the world's first greenhouse dedicated to cacti. Its intimate and quirky charm makes it feel like you've discovered a hidden secret.

• The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens: Located a short drive away in Palm Desert, this expansive park combines botanical gardens with a zoo, featuring desert animals from around the world. It’s an excellent choice if your group wants a more extensive, half-day adventure.

• Sunnylands Center & Gardens: Known as the "Camp David of the West," Sunnylands offers a pristine and masterfully designed garden inspired by Impressionist paintings. The perfectly symmetrical layout is a masterpiece of landscape architecture.

5. VillageFest and Downtown Palm Springs Shopping

The vibrant heart of any girls weekend in Palm Springs is its bustling downtown, a walkable paradise of shopping, dining, and culture. The ultimate expression of this energy is VillageFest, a weekly street fair that transforms Palm Canyon Drive into a festive market every Thursday night. It’s a fantastic way for your group to dive headfirst into the local scene, browsing artisan crafts, sampling street food, and enjoying live music under the desert stars. This lively event perfectly complements a day spent exploring the area's chic boutiques and art galleries.

Why It's a Perfect Group Activity

Downtown shopping and VillageFest offer something for everyone in the group, making it easy to please different tastes. It’s a dynamic and social activity where you can split up to browse different shops and then regroup for a cocktail or dinner. The combination of retail therapy, local art, and a lively street fair atmosphere creates a memorable evening that feels quintessentially Palm Springs, blending relaxed browsing with festive energy.

Insider Tip: Start your evening with a happy hour at a downtown restaurant, then stroll through VillageFest as the sun sets. The fair becomes more magical as the string lights turn on and the live music kicks off. Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing plenty of walking!

Top Districts to Explore

• Palm Canyon Drive: This is the main artery of downtown, lined with a mix of trendy boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries. It’s the central location for VillageFest and the hub of all activity.

• Uptown Design District: A must-visit for lovers of mid-century modern design. This stretch features high-end vintage furniture stores, unique home decor shops, and fashion boutiques that capture the city's iconic aesthetic.

• El Paseo Shopping District: Located a short drive away in Palm Desert, this upscale avenue is often called the "Rodeo Drive of the Desert." It features luxury brands, fine art galleries, and sophisticated dining options for a more glamorous shopping day. Learn more about VillageFest and Downtown Palm Springs Shopping on themusehotelpalmsprings.com.

6. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway & Mountain Adventures

Escape the desert floor and ascend into a breathtaking alpine wonderland on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. This iconic attraction features the world's largest rotating tramcar, which climbs over two and a half miles along the cliffs of Chino Canyon to the pristine wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park. The ten-minute journey offers spectacular, evolving views of the valley below, providing a dramatic shift in scenery that makes for an unforgettable group experience. It's the perfect way to add a touch of mountain adventure to your girls weekend in Palm Springs.

Why It's a Perfect Group Activity

The tramway offers a unique blend of thrill and tranquility. The ride itself is a shared moment of awe, and once at the top, your group can choose its own adventure, from a leisurely nature walk to a more challenging hike. The cooler temperatures (often 30-40 degrees lower than the desert floor) provide a refreshing break, and the mountain-top restaurants and observation decks are perfect for a celebratory toast with an unparalleled view.

Insider Tip: Purchase your tickets online in advance to skip the long lines, especially on weekends. Also, remember to bring layers! Even on a hot day in Palm Springs, you'll need a jacket or sweater for the cool mountain air at 8,516 feet.

Top Trails to Explore

• Desert View Trail: An easy and mostly flat 1.5-mile loop offering several stunning overlooks of the Coachella Valley. It's perfect for all fitness levels and provides incredible photo opportunities.

• Round Valley Trail: A moderate 3.5-mile hike that takes you deeper into the pine forest, offering a true sense of alpine wilderness.

• Nature Walk: A paved and accessible 0.75-mile loop near the Mountain Station, ideal for a quick and scenic stroll to acclimate to the altitude.

7. Desert Hiking and Joshua Tree National Park Adventure

Balancing poolside lounging with an epic outdoor adventure is a key ingredient for the perfect girls weekend in Palm Springs. A day trip to Joshua Tree National Park or a sunrise hike in the local Indian Canyons offers an unforgettable way to connect with the raw, dramatic beauty of the desert. The landscape, characterized by whimsical Joshua Trees, massive boulder formations, and sweeping vistas, provides an energizing experience and a stunning contrast to the city's chic, manicured vibe. It's a fantastic way to create lasting memories while getting active with your favorite people.

Why It's a Perfect Group Activity

Hiking together fosters teamwork and shared accomplishment, whether you’re navigating a trail or just marveling at the scenery. The otherworldly setting of Joshua Tree creates a natural playground for group photos against iconic backdrops like Skull Rock. This activity allows for both quiet reflection and lively conversation, making it a powerful bonding experience away from daily distractions. Coming back to your peaceful retreat at The Muse Hotel Palm Springs after a day of exploring feels like the ultimate reward.

Insider Tip: Plan a sunrise hike to witness the desert come alive with breathtaking pastel colors. The soft morning light is incredibly flattering for photos, and you'll beat the intense midday heat, leaving the rest of the day for relaxation.

Top Trails to Explore

• Hidden Valley Trail (Joshua Tree): This easy, 1-mile loop is perfect for all fitness levels. It winds through a valley enclosed by towering rock formations, offering a concentrated dose of the park's quintessential scenery.

• Skull Rock Trail (Joshua Tree): An easy 1.7-mile loop famous for its naturally formed rock that resembles a human skull. It's a fun and highly Instagrammable short hike.

• Andreas Canyon Trail (Indian Canyons): Located right in Palm Springs, this lush 1-mile loop follows a stream through a grove of magnificent California fan palms, offering a beautiful oasis-like contrast to the arid surroundings. For more ideas on excursions, you can learn more about the best day trips from Palm Springs on themusehotelpalmsprings.com.

8. Wine Tasting in Coachella Valley

While Palm Springs is famous for cocktails and mid-century modern style, an emerging wine scene is adding a sophisticated new layer to the desert experience. A wine tasting tour in the greater Coachella Valley offers a unique alternative to the typical bar scene, allowing your group to explore local flavors in picturesque settings. This activity is perfect for a classy afternoon, providing an opportunity to relax, chat, and discover varietals that thrive in the arid climate. It’s an unexpected and delightful addition to any girls weekend in Palm Springs itinerary.

Why It's a Perfect Group Activity

Wine tasting is inherently social, creating a relaxed environment for conversation and shared discovery. Moving from one tasting room to another allows you to experience different ambiances, from intimate urban bars to scenic vineyards. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your trip, offering both a fun activity and the chance to bring home a unique souvenir that will remind you of your desert escape.

Insider Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The vintners and tasting room staff in the valley are passionate about desert winemaking and love to share their stories. Inquiring about which grapes grow best in the heat or their favorite food pairings can make the experience much more engaging.

Top Spots to Explore

• Rancho Mirage Winery: A local favorite offering a friendly and unpretentious atmosphere. They produce a variety of wines, providing a great introduction to the region's offerings.

• Tasting Rooms in Palm Desert: The El Paseo shopping district and surrounding areas feature several chic tasting rooms where you can sample wines from various California regions without having to travel far.

• Desert Hills Estate Winery: Located a bit further out, this spot provides a more traditional winery experience with vineyard views. It’s worth the drive for groups wanting to immerse themselves in the full "vineyard-to-glass" atmosphere. For more on local wine spots, check out this guide on Canopy Wine Bar in Palm Springs.

Final Thoughts: Crafting Your Perfect Palm Springs Getaway

Your perfect girls weekend Palm Springs getaway is more than just a destination; it's a carefully curated collection of moments that transform into lasting memories. From the serene beauty of the Moorten Botanical Garden to the breathtaking panoramic views atop the Aerial Tramway, this desert oasis offers a dynamic backdrop for celebration, connection, and relaxation. The key to an unforgettable trip lies in balancing iconic Palm Springs experiences with personalized touches that resonate with your group's unique vibe.

The true magic of Palm Springs is its versatility. You can craft a weekend that is entirely your own, blending high-energy fun with restorative calm. The best girls weekend Palm Springs itinerary is a blend of iconic activities and downtime. Don’t overschedule; leave room for spontaneous poolside chats, late-night talks on a sun-drenched private patio, and simply soaking in the desert sun together.

Whether you're planning a Palm Springs weekend getaway, a girls’ trip, or simply want a more stylish place to unwind, The Muse Hotel Palm Springs brings together privacy, design, and atmosphere in one beautifully curated package. It’s the perfect foundation for a flawless getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions About Planning a Girls Weekend in Palm Springs

What makes The Muse Hotel unique among boutique hotels in Palm Springs?

The Muse Hotel Palm Springs offers a rare combination of boutique intimacy and group-friendly functionality. With only nine suites, the property feels like a private club. It was designed for social gatherings with amenities like kitchens/kitchenettes, private patios, and an Instagram-worthy courtyard pool, making it ideal for bachelorette parties and group buyouts of up to 21 guests.

Is The Muse Hotel adults-only?

Yes, The Muse Hotel is a peaceful, adults-only (21+) sanctuary. This creates a serene atmosphere perfect for couples, bachelorettes, and groups looking for a sophisticated and relaxing desert escape without the noise of a family resort.

How close is The Muse Hotel to downtown Palm Springs?

The hotel is ideally located in the historic Warm Sands neighborhood, just a 5-minute drive (or a pleasant walk) from the heart of downtown Palm Springs. This allows guests to enjoy easy access to the city’s best restaurants, shops, and nightlife while having a quiet, private retreat to return to.

Is The Muse Hotel a good hotel for groups or bachelorettes?

Absolutely. The Muse Hotel is arguably the best hotel in Palm Springs for stylish bachelorette parties and group getaways. The entire property can be bought out for a completely private experience, allowing groups to have the pool, hot tub, fire pit, and all common areas to themselves. The muse-themed suites and chic design create a memorable backdrop for celebrations.

Are there full kitchens and private patios at The Muse Hotel?

Yes, every suite at The Muse Hotel features a private patio for morning coffee or evening cocktails. Additionally, all suites include a well-equipped kitchenette, with some larger suites offering a full kitchen, providing the flexibility to prepare meals and snacks for your group.